Lisa Orgler – Movies and the Masses

Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 1:40 pm

Lisa Orgler is our guest this week on Movies and the Masses, a weekly segment where we discuss cinema with a diverse collection of people from across the Internet. In the past, we’ve interviewed everyone from scientists to sword swallowers, so you just never know what you’re going to get next. Lisa was nice enough to provide us with some comments about herself and her websites, so let’s take a look:

“The Lunch Box Project (www.lunchboxproject.com) began on January 1, 2009 as a resolution to paint an image of food daily. I achieved my goal of 365 delectable illustrations and am now carrying on that tradition in new ways. Why food? Because it is easy. When you set out to draw something everyday, make it an easy subject. Most of my images are painted on playing cards and drink coasters…just trying to be resourceful. I also have my own “food art” shop at ( www.lisaorgler.etsy.com ).

I earned my Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University. I love design and art, especially when they incorporate gardens, food and everyday objects. I am definitely drawn to humor and vintage patterns…and try to incorporate both into my work.”

Now that we know a bit more about Lisa Orgler, let’s see what she has to say about movies from the past and present. I’ve included her picture for our readers, as well as several examples of her works of art. I think you’ll find both to be equally lovely. Take it away, Lisa…

Only Good Movies: What’s the first movie you remember seeing?Lisa Orgler:Star Wars. I was about eight years old and was so excited. The energy was heightened when we saw the long line at the movie theater. I fell in love with Harrison Ford and stuck with him through the Star Wars sequels, Indiana Jones and even the not-so-great Blade Runner movie.

OGM: If you only had a few hours to live and could do nothing but watch five movies, which films would you select?LO:Pretty Woman. I love the fairy tale story. I would love to have Richard Gere sweep me off my feet.

E.T. One of my favorite first movies as a kid. It’s mystical, emotional, and an all around great movie. I cried a lot, even as a child.

The Others. This movie gave me such a different perspective on the idea of ghosts…a less fearful one. I love when a movie helps you see things in a new way.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. I love that the main character talks to the camera and is constantly inventing things to get away with skipping school. Another great movie from my childhood that is filled with fun.

The Breakfast Club. Another childhood connection. I’ve always been intrigued with the different personalities and how they could all connect in the end. My current life builds on this idea of bringing different talents together to make a better whole.

I have to add just one more…Cars. This is such a great movie about friendship and being kind to others. My absolute favorite part of the whole movie is when Lightning McQueen finishes the race in second place, because he decides to help a hurt Dinoco. Lightning McQueen becomes the real winner because of his kindness. I can only hope my kids do gracious actions like that and realize that winning isn’t everything.

OGM: What’s your favorite movie?LO: This is really a tough question. I would have to say a movie that hits me hard…like Schindler’s List. It’s not a movie I want to watch over and over (I can only handle so much heartbreak), but it’s an excellent movie that really shows you a kindhearted person during a really horrible time.

OGM: Do you subscribe to an online rental service like Netflix or Blockbuster Online? Why or why not?LO: We subscribe to Netflix. We like the ease of movies just arriving at our house. And if it couldn’t get any better, we bought a Blue-ray player last December, and now we can download movies instantly off Netflix. Now that is cool. It’s only a limited selection now, but I’m sure eventually all movies will be available that way. Why pay postage if you don’t have to…and, of course, save paper too?

OGM: In 50 years, which modern movies do you think will be viewed as classics?LO:The Blind Side and The Dark Knight.

OGM: If you see a movie based on a book, are you then more or less likely to read the book?LO: Lately, I haven’t had time to read any book, much less one that reappears as a movie, but if I had time I prefer to read the book first. If I see the movie first, I don’t typically read the book. I actually read Blade Runner first and liked it…then I saw the movie (not as great). The last book I read that became a movie was The DaVinci Code. The book was so good, the movie was just okay. I often seem to be disappointed. Maybe I should just stick with the books or skip them to not get my hopes up.

OGM: Who’s your favorite celebrity?LO: Ellen Degeneres. I know, she’s not a movie star per se (unless you count Dorie in Finding Nemo), but I love her genuineness and sense of humor.

OGM: Is there any actor or actress whose movies you actively avoid?LO: No, there isn’t. I’m up for anything.

OGM: How do you feel about all the remakes of older and classic films?LO: I don’t mind, as long as they are good.

OGM: Which actor or actress do you find most attractive?LO: Harrison Ford. I must stick with my first movie love.

OGM: Do you read movie reviews? If so, which critics do you read most often, and why do you like them?LO: I don’t typically read movie reviews. I typically listen to friend’s and colleagues opinions of what they have seen.

OGM: What type of people annoy you when going to a movie theater?LO: I am so dull…I haven’t been annoyed by anyone at a movie theater. I think people are just extremely considerate in the Midwest.

OGM: Do you consider movies to be works of art?LO: Yes. There are certain movies that draw me on cinematography alone. As crazy as this sounds, Nacho Libre is one of those movies. I especially love the scene where Jack Black’s character is making his wrestling costume. The craftiness of it mixed with the colors and glowing light just pulled me in.

OGM: What type of candy or drink do you consider essential to your movie watching experience?LO: We typically fill up on food before arriving at the theater to save money. Of course, the kids beg for something anyway, then we end up eating a big dinner and having a big old tub of popcorn, too. When I was a kid, my mom always bought those chocolate stars. I also associate the taste of Coke with outdoor movie theaters. That was the flavor in the air when you squeezed a hundred cars into a parking lot with kids piling out of them.

Thanks again to Lisa Orgler for taking part in this week’s installment of Movies and the Masses. If you’d like to read more, check out some of our past interviews:

3 Responses to “Lisa Orgler – Movies and the Masses”

Very interesting Lisa.Didn’t remember you saying you answered any ? I remembered very well when you were a little girl.You sure did love your StarWar,BreakfastClub,Indiana Jones etc.All of us loved those movies also.Those ChocolateStars were yummy til today they still are.Everytime I read something you wrote it makes me think you ought to be an author